Thursday, January 7, 2010

Nepal to procure mln-dollar bullet-proof car for president

KATHMANDU, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali president's office is preparing to procure a special bullet-proof car at a cost of almost 1 million U.S. dollars for President Ram Baran Yadav and future presidents' use possibly within this fiscal year, the Annapurna Post daily reported on Wednesday.

"We are consulting manufacturing companies for purchasing the car," said Baman Prasad Nyaupane, secretary at the President's office.

The President's office is talking directly with the manufacturers as there is no authorized dealer for such high end cars in Nepal.

Moreover, the companies have been setting their own specifications for a car to be used by a head of state. Such car is not available at manufactured state, but needs to be ordered.

Yadav has been using a bullet proof car used by former King Gyanendra Shah at present. The government started the procurement plan for a new vehicle after it felt the necessity of an additional bullet proof vehicle for the president for security reasons.

Former King Shah had ordered a Toyota car at the cost of 30 million Nepali rupees (some 405,405 U.S. dollars) during his direct rule in 2005 from the budget earmarked to the army.

However, he was not able to use the car, as he was ousted before the car arrived.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/06/content_12764208.htm

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